THE RM1,000 fine slapped on the glove maker for breaching multiple laws has turned our Government into a laughing stock.
“We’re becoming a joke. The glove maker breached so many rules and was only fined for RM1,000. Who made the decision? We’re talking about justice here.
“The authorities are setting a dangerous precedent here. This will only embolden other errant employers to continue breaking our laws without any fear of consequence,” UNI-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal told FocusM.
Yesterday, it was reported that glove maker in Port Klang raided by the authorities for failing to adhere to COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) and the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) received a mere slap on the wrist, instead of being shut down.
According to English daily, The Star, the glove maker was issued a fine of RM1,000.
It was earlier said that the factory was supposed to be shut down after it was found breaking several laws. A statement released yesterday showed that only a compound was issued against it.
Several online news portals also claimed that the glove maker received tip-off from “Government insiders” before the raid, allowing the former time to “clean up” before inspection.
Touching on the issue, Shafie said the authorities must remember that the public are watching their every move and it is their credibility that is on the line.
“If you remember sometime back, a doctor who was found jogging during the movement control order (MCO) was fined and jailed.
“But this glove maker was only slapped with RM1,000 fine, which is peanuts to them. I believe the multi-agency raid on the company was far more expensive than the fine,” he said.
On claims that the glove maker received tip-off from Government insiders, Shafie said the authorities must investigate the matter and take action against the errant officers, if the allegations were true.
“The authorities must revise its standard operating procedure (SOP) when conduction raids to ensure no leaks happen again.
“And those who leak such information, they must remember that they are aiding and abetting lawbreakers,” Shafie remarked.
On the same matter, Building and Wood Workers International Malaysian Liaison Council (BWI-MLC) told FocusM that paltry fine imposed on the errant glove maker will only embolden others to continue breaking the law.
“If we’re serious about upholding law and order, we should impose the maximum punishment on lawbreakers. It should serve as a lesson to all.
“Right now, errant companies will feel like they can get away with anything. It only shows we’re not firm,” said its spokesperson Nor Azlan Yaakob.
Citing the case of another glove maker, Top Glove Bhd, Azlan said the authorities have yet to punish the company despite the management putting many of its staff at risk of contracting COVID-19.
“It looks like authorities have gone ‘blind’,” he added.
Recently, the Labour Department announced that it has opened 19 investigation papers against another glove maker, Top Glove Bhd on allegations of flouting Act 446.
The company also landed in hot soup after one of its employees, Yam Narayan Chaudhray, a 29-year-old Nepali security guard died due to complications from COVID-19 On Dec 12. He was stationed at Top Glove’s 13th factory in Meru, Klang. – Dec 26, 2020.
